Common Causes of Spider Veins and What You Can Do About Your Risk

Spider veins are known as a less severe case of varicose veins. They show up as a group of small, dilated veins that appear close to the skin’s surface. They look like tree branches or a spider web, hence the name. They are usually red or blue in color and can show up anywhere, but they are most often found in the legs and face.

Common causes of spider veinsThere are a number of factors that make some predisposed to varicose veins and spider veins. They include:

Heredity

Obesity

Pregnancy

Constipation

Aging

Sun exposure

A history of blood clots

Taking birth control pills

Postmenopausal hormonal replacement

Hormonal changes during puberty or menopause

Standing or sitting for long periods of time

Wearing too-tight clothing

What you can do to prevent spider veins?While it is not 100% possible to completely prevent spider veins, there are things you can do to lower your risk. They include:

Promoting blood flow:Restricted blood flow can lead to issues with your veins, so you want to promote it when you can. Exercise by running or walking can help increase the circulation in your legs. If you have an occupation where you need to stand a lot, wear compression gear to increase blood flow and prevent swelling.

Remaining a healthy weight:When you are overweight, you are putting a lot of extra pressure on your legs, which can lead to spider veins. By keeping your weight down and avoiding standing or sitting for too long, you are taking pressure off of your legs.

Always wear sunscreen:Believe it or not, too much sun exposure to light skin tones can lead to spider veins on your cheeks or your nose. Wear sunscreen when you go outside to minimize any damage to your skin.

As of spring 2017, more than 34.77 million people reported using a skin doctor or dermatologist within a 12 month period. If you notice any symptoms of spider veins, you might want to consider going to a dermatologist and talking about spider vein therapy.

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ERIKA LUCERI-JOHNSON, PA-C

DERMATOLOGY PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

Erika graduated from the University of Florida in 2002 with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She then completed her Master’s of Public Health in 2005 at Florida International University, where she graduated with honors. After earning her MPH, Erika continued her education at Nova Southeastern University, where she again graduated with honors with a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies in 2007.

After graduation, Erika worked in pediatric dermatology at Miami Children’s Hospital for 6 years before joining Clearlyderm. She has received specialized training in pediatric dermatology, including the management and treatment birthmarks (hemangiomas, port wine stains, moles, etc), molluscum, warts, acne, rashes, eczema, etc.

ANDREA COLTON, MD, FAAD

MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Colton graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1974 and University of Miami Medical School in 1978, finishing near the top her class. After finishing a four year Dermatology residency at the University of Miami in 1983, she worked in her own dermatology practices in Boca Raton and then Delray Beach.

She is a board-certified Dermatologist and has a long, distinguished career in Dermatology. Dr. Colton has received numerous accolades, most recently being chosen in 2011, as one of the best Dermatologists in America by the U.S. News and World Report.

Dr Colton is currently on faculty at Florida Atlantic University as an Affiliate Assistant Professor of Clinical Biomedical Science in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine and is involved in the dermatology education of medical students.

Dr. Colton’s focus is on comprehensive collaborative dermatology care and works closely with dermatology nurse practitioners to create new innovative care models that will include quality improvement and benchmarks in dermatology.

Dr. Colton is married to Dr. Robert Colton and has five beautiful children and three golden retrievers. She resides in Boca Raton, Florida.